Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was driving on my way home from a restaurant, just about 4 blocks from my home I applied my brakes and anti lock brakes was acting up and I pressed a little hard to stop before a stop light and the pedal went right to the floor. I had to drive very slow to get my truck to my home as I have no brakes. By the time I parked my parking spot I got out and opened my hood to look at the brake drum didn't see anything and proceeded to look underneath my truck and found a puddle of brake fluid just under drivers side bottom. I was amazed to see that and it looked so rusted, couldn't pinpoint where the leak is coming from on the lines it was all soaked with the fluid. Right now I feel that the GM corporation should replace all the lines at a no cost to me. …
On or about 12/01/06, while pulling my truck ahead, the brakes failed, causing me to roll into a parked vehicle. On 3 other occasions, my truck has rolled through intersections due to ABS failure. I contacted my dealership about the problems I was having and they referred me to GM. When I contacted GM, they alluded to the fact that they were aware of the defect but then indicated that the brakes work as designed. I was then advised that nothing could be done with regards to the brake system but was given some free oil changes for my troubles. When I did finally receive the 12,000 mile oil change coverage, due to delays in their processing, the coverage was actually for only 7900 miles. When GM was contacted, they refused to correct this error.
Brakes worked perfectly to stop vehicle on a steep downward hill in order to open a gate at the bottom of the hill of my driveway. After the gate was opened the vehicle proceeded down the hill coasting and there was a total brake failure when trying to slow down. The pedal went to the floor with no brakes whatsoever. The vehicle crashed into a tree to avoid going over a cliff. The vehicle has been well maintained with no warning of brake failure. Front and rear breaks failed at the same time. No warning brake light indicator on dash ever went on. This occurred on my property and driver and a passenger were both injured. Body shop indicated that the brake lines rusted out. This could have been a fatality if the failure took place on the road.
On January 24, 2017 traveling on pa turnpike at posted speed limit of 70mph, when I applied brakes to slow when approaching slower vehicles. Brake pedal went to the floor and vehicle almost ran into the rear of slower vehicles. Metal brake line ruptured above left front wheel. When inspected, all brake lines exhibited extreme rust/corrosion to the point of flaking and thinning. This is an extreme safety issue which could have resulted in a major collision and would have injured or killed occupants. This problem is a major known safety defect and needs to be remedied by GM.
As I approached a major intersection the traffic light turned yellow and I applied the brakes preparing to stop. The brakes failed and the petal went to the floor. The truck rolled halfway into the intersection before I was able to step on the emergency brake and fully stop the truck. The dashboard flashed on indicating "repair brakes"...a little too late to help. If I had a vehicle in front of me , I would have hit it and possible injuries would have resulted. I had my daughter in the front passenger seat and was glad for seat belts.
The brakes on my truck failed due to the brake line corrosion. I pushed on my brakes while backing out of my driveway lost all braking power and had my brake . Luckily I was in my driveway when this happened. All of the brake fluid leaked onto the ground, I had my vehicle towed to the dealership and had the brake lines replaced. Upon speaking with the service advisor he said that this was common and that the new brake lines were coated and will not rust. None the less the repair cost and towing cost was quite expensive.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond without warning. The contact was able to avoid an accident. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake line was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,900....updated 02/04/16; 05/02/18
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 GMC Sierra 1500. While driving at 45 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to stop. In addition, the contact stated that the check brake system was displayed across the message board. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed that the brake lines were corroded and fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,000.
While driving consumer applied the brakes and pedal went to the floor. Vehicle hit a meridian strip pole. Consumer was unable to maintain control of the vehicle, skidded into a guard rail, and vehicle flipped over twice. Upon impact, both frontal air bags did not deploy. Passenger and driver sustained neck and back injuries, and were transported by ambulance to a hospital. Vehicle was towed, and totaled by the insurance company.
I was traveling at 35 MPH on a city street and had to stop quickly. I applied the brakes and received no response as they went to the floor. The anti-lock system finally started to respond right before impact with the back corner of a van. This resulted in extensive damage to my pick-up and the van. I'm still waiting on the insurance company to fix my truck.
Brake complaints in other Sierra 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500?
NHTSA has 67 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500, 32% of the model year's 212 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2004 GMC Sierra 1500, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.